We might go on a lot about what there is to do in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of our biggest campus, but there's so much more around Staffordshire and Shropshire to get stuck in with, especially for those of you in our Centres of Excellence in Stafford and Shrewsbury.
Here's a far-from-comprehensive list of things to do in the chunk of the west midlands we call home...
Adventure/Days Out
Alton Towers: One of Europe’s biggest theme parks, Alton Towers is worth the trip. The park is about half an hour’s drive from Stoke-on-Trent, 45 minutes from Stafford and one and a half hours from Shrewsbury, which isn’t bad if you plan on spending the day there.
Flip Out (Stone): Slap-bang between Stoke and Stafford is a trampoline playground, featuring massive foam pits, wall running and a junior area if you’ve got kids to keep busy.
Stafford Bowling and Laser Tag: The classic duo of bowling and laser tag are closer than ever in Stafford, with food and drink to keep you energised between the two. Unfortunately, they won’t let you do both at the same time.
AMF Bowling Shrewsbury: You can’t go wrong with a round of bowling to show your friends who’s boss.
Shrewsbury Rope Adventure: If you like ropes and adventure, then Shrewsbury Rope Adventure is right up your street. It’s just north of the town limits.
Go Ape Cannock Chase: This treetop rope course is in set up in Cannock Chase, (bonus fact) Britain’s smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Silver Blades Ice Rink Cannock: Because sliding about uncontrollably on ice with knives strapped to your feet is fun to some people, apparently.
History & Culture
Shrewsbury Folk Festival: This annual goliath in the Shrewsbury calendar is among England’s top folk festivals, so naturally very few people have ever heard of it.
Shrewsbury River Cruise: If you can’t be bothered to do your own sight-seeing around Shrewsbury, just hop on this cruise and they’ll do it for you. Tourism for the smartphone generation. In all seriousness, it’s a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
Shrewsbury Museum & Castle: Among the steeped history in Shropshire’s county town, the castle sits right at the top alongside their museum. Both a must-see for the history nuts.
Stafford Ancient High House Museum: Stafford’s oldest building, dating back to the Tudor period, is now home to a museum and shop selling local souvenirs. It has played host to many famous guests over the years, including King Charles I, known for having the best facial hair the British monarchy has ever seen.
Stafford Castle: This castle is a picturesque ruin on top of a bloody steep hill. They put on various dramatics throughout the year which are brilliant if you can drag yourself up there.
Cinemas & Theatres
Sometimes you can’t beat watching a film at the cinema, unless you want to show off and look cultured, in which case you should visit the theatre. Here’s just some of the places you can do both…
Stafford Cinema
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Theatre Severn (Shrewsbury)
Cineworld Shrewsbury
Nature
Cannock Chase: The aforementioned smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was once a royal hunting forest and is said to be haunted by all sorts of goings on, from black-eyed children to Bigfoot. It’s a short drive south from Stafford.
Peak District: To the north-east of Stoke-on-Trent is the famous Peak District, packed with plenty of nature trails and hikes. The ideal place to spend the weekend if you’re an outdoorsy-type.
Shropshire Hills: The Shopshire Hills stretch all the way from Telford to the Welsh border, so there’s plenty to explore during your down-time.
Snowdonia: Bit of a push this one, but if you’re really committed to a day out you could visit the Snowdonia national park in north-west Wales.
Markets
Shrewsbury Farmers’ Market: If your fancy, rustic, bourgeois tastes aren’t being met by the clowns at the local supermarket, take a look at what the Shrewsbury Farmers’ Market has to offer, from fancy jams and cheeses to handmade scotch eggs.
Stafford Market: I don’t quite know the difference between a “farmers’ market” and a regular market, but feel free to head down to both and find out for yourself.
Of course, if you feel like travelling, the cities of Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham are easily and quickly accessible by train or car. You can't say there's nothing to do!
Also, if you're a prospective (or current) student based in Stafford or Shrewsbury, you might be interested to know that you have your own unique sections in our Welcome site! Take a look at staffsunion.com/welcome for the ultimate intro to Staffs...